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After a period of perceived hostility that generated concerns over alleged Christian Genocide in Nigeria, the United States Government has pledged to strengthen security cooperation with Nigeria through enhanced intelligence sharing, expanded defence support, and the supply of military equipment to bolster ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-extremism operations, the Nigerian Presidency has said.
According to the Presidency, the renewed commitment followed a series of high-level engagements in Washington last week between senior Nigerian officials and top US institutions. The Nigerian delegation was led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and included Attorney General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi; Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye; Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and officials from the Office of the NSA.
The meetings involved key arms of the US Government, including members of Congress, the State Department, the National Security Council, the White House Faith Office, and the Department of War.
In a statement issued on Monday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the delegation used the visit to address longstanding misconceptions about Nigeria’s security crisis.
He noted that claims of genocide were dismissed, with officials clarifying that violence in the country affects communities across ethnic and religious lines and must not be misrepresented in ways that inflame tensions.
Onanuga said the discussions helped “forge a constructive, solution-driven partnership with the United States, reinforce mutual trust, and advance a coordinated approach to protecting vulnerable communities, especially in the Middle Belt.”
The US Government reportedly “expressed its willingness to extend complementary support, including humanitarian assistance to affected populations in the Middle Belt and technical support to strengthen early-warning mechanisms.”
Both countries also agreed to begin immediate implementation of a non-binding cooperation framework and to establish a Joint Working Group to coordinate priority actions.
The Presidency said Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to improving civilian protection and addressing concerns related to religious freedom, noting that government efforts remain focused on ensuring nationwide security.
“The Federal Government restates its awareness of heightened sensitivities regarding religious freedom and security, and urges citizens to remain assured that firm, urgent, and coordinated steps are being taken to secure the nation,” Onanuga said.